United won the league in 2007, 2008 and 2009 but, after an injury-hit campaign in which Sir Alex Ferguson was forced to play midfielders in the back four, they lost out to Chelsea on the final day.

However, Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling have arrived to bolster the squad ahead of the new season and, with many of their key players now fit, Vidic is convinced United are capable of finishing top this time around.

"Last season was a bit frustrating," he said in the News of the World. "We had a lot of players injured, especially in the defence, but now the squad is healthy and ready to challenge for the league again. If all our players are fit and we have less injuries then we can win it."

Ferguson has already talked down the importance of the Community Shield and it appears both United and Chelsea could give a number of their young stars a chance but, while he is keeping things in perspective, Vidic is determined to secure the trophy.

"We don't want to lose any game against Chelsea," he said. "It is important, but not very important. December and January will be a much more important time of the year for the team. That is when you want all your players at the strongest."

Meanwhile, United have received a boost with the news that Michael Carrick has been declared fit to face Chelsea.